Philippines expresses concern over Chinese coast guard near Zambales

Philippine security officials held a press conference on Tuesday, January 14, to address recent activities by the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Zambales.

Since early January, CCG vessels, including the 'monster ship' CCG 5901, have been deployed about 60 to 90 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales for over a week.

Commodore Jay Tarriela noted that this behavior is unusual and represents the closest approach by such large Chinese vessels to Philippine shores in its exclusive economic zone.

During a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) meeting in Xiamen, China, on Thursday, January 16, the Philippines expressed serious concern over these incursions.

The Philippines and China exchanged views on avoiding tensions during resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal and agreed to continue implementing a provisional understanding for de-escalation without prejudice to respective national positions.